Denise Coleman, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist, Tuesday announced Pennsylvania agricultural producers and non-industrial private forest landowners in targeted areas can now apply for conservation assistance through five new approved Regional Conservation Partnership Program projects.

RCPP focuses on public-private partnerships to enable private companies, local communities and other non-government partners a way to invest in conservation efforts to help keep our private land resilient and water clean.

NRCS funding to producers and landowners is made available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Awarded funds will be dedicated to installing conservation practices and easements in selected areas to accomplish a wide diversity of agricultural and natural resource goals such as improving water and soil quality, and restoring fish and wildlife habitat.

In addition to USDA financial assistance funds, partners will expand upon conservation efforts of the NRCS by contributing funds and in-kind services such as outreach and technical assistance.

For FY 2015, funding for EQIP contracts is expected to be available through--

-- Stroud Water Research Center project in parts of Berks, Chester counties;

-- National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Delaware River Watershed project in parts of Berks, Bucks, Chester, Lehigh, Montgomery counties within designated watersheds; and

-- American Bird Conservancy Cerulean Warbler habitat project (eastern PA area only/east of Susquehanna River).

The deadline for applications in these areas is July 31.

Funding will also be available in the future for projects in these areas--

-- National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Project in Bradford, Juniata, Lancaster counties; and

-- Alliance for Chesapeake Bay in Franklin County.

Applicants should contact their local NRCS Service Center for additional information and application procedures.  Click Here for the full announcement.

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7/13/2015